Shine Bright with Pride

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Join the Shine Bright with Pride celebration on Tuesday, June 27. The annual Pride Month event will be held at the County Administration Center’s east plaza at 6 p.m.

The event, which is cohosted by our LGBTQ&A Employee Resource Group and Chairwoman Nora Vargas, will include the raising of a rainbow flag, lighting the building in rainbow, speakers and refreshments.

“June is celebrated as National Pride month all over the country. It’s a time for celebration, as well as a time for reflection on how far we have come and how much farther we have to go,” said LGBTQ&A ERG President Angela Jackson-Llamas. “We’re fortunate as employees of the County of San Diego to be in an environment that is inclusive, supportive and welcoming of all.”

Mills Building Views

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Office Assistant Katia Sarroca shared this photo of the view from the sixth floor of the Mills Building. The downtown San Diego building is home to several HHSA services.

Share your photos! If you see a coworker getting the job done, a cool worksite, or a wonderful County program being offered—snap a pic and submit it. One image will be posted to InSite every week and may be shared on social media.

See more of Your View photos.

County Names Interim Health And Human Services Agency Director

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County Chief Medical Officer Dr. Eric McDonald has been named to serve as interim Health and Human Services Agency director by Chief Administrative Officer Helen Robbins-Meyer.

Dr. McDonald is expected to hold the position into 2024 as the County conducts extensive local engagement about what the community is seeking in the next leader of HHSA. The agency oversees numerous programs and has nearly 8,000 employees who directly provide services to more than a third of the region’s residents.

“Having worked with Dr. McDonald for more than 10 years, I have personally experienced his calm, insightful leadership,” said Robbins-Meyer. “He is community focused and inspires confidence as we undertake everyday activities and during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. I am grateful he has agreed to step in and provide his vision as we chart the course for the Agency’s future.”

The appointment is to replace Director Nick Macchione, who announced his retirement on May 31, effective June 27.

Dr. McDonald’s selection was endorsed by County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas.

“The passion and commitment I have experienced with the HHSA team as we expand the delivery and availability of services has been inspiring,” said Chairwoman Vargas. “Dr. McDonald was instrumental in keeping our communities safe during our County's COVID-19 response and I am excited to see him step in as interim leader. I’m eager to get to work with our community partners and my colleagues on the Board to support the CAO’s search for a future Agency director.”

Following a distinguished 24-year career in the U.S. Navy, Dr. McDonald joined the County in 2010 as a deputy public health officer. In 2015, he became the medical director of Epidemiology and Immunization Services and was promoted in 2021 as the Agency’s chief medical officer and director of the newly established Medical Care Services Department.

“I am very honored to accept this interim position as our Agency and the County experience leadership transitions on several fronts,” said Dr. McDonald. “My focus will be on ensuring the incredible positive momentum continues in the Agency’s work with the community to improve wellbeing for all San Diegans, delivering services and solving problems in an evidence-based way.”

The Health and Human Services Agency operates programs designed to help all 3.3 million San Diego County residents live well. Its eight service departments include Self-Sufficiency Services, Aging & Independence Services, Behavioral Health Services, Child Welfare Services, Public Health Services, Housing & Community Development Services, Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities, and Medical Care Services.

County Medical Care Services Opens Pharmacy for Most Vulnerable Neighbors in South Bay

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The County of San Diego’s newest pharmacy, and first in South County, opened this week at the South Region Live Well Center in Chula Vista.

The new pharmacy is not open to the general public. Instead, it will serve patients of County clinics, primarily providing medication to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

“Opening this pharmacy helps patients scale the transportation and financial barriers that could otherwise prevent them from healing and gives them the opportunity to live well,” said Dr. Emily Do, Chief Pharmacy Officer with County Medical Care Services.

The Oxford Pharmacy is expected to serve more than 1,600 patients annually for their medication needs.

The Oxford pharmacy is one of four County run pharmacies serving the region and providing services to about 12,000 people annually. Edgemoor Hospital in Santee has a pharmacy for its residents and the Psychiatric Hospital of San Diego County in the Midway District has two pharmacies, one to serve patients admitted to the hospital and the other for outgoing patients.

Dr. Do said the Oxford pharmacy is an exciting step in MCS’s growth to serve San Diegans and is just the beginning with a mobile pharmacy and a centrally located pharmacy on the horizon.

Hundreds of County Employees Donate During Blood Drive

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Hundreds of County employees from across the region donated blood throughout the month of April during the annual County Blood Drive.

The County of San Diego drive remains one of the largest and most successful collection events organized by the San Diego Blood Bank. Schedule an appointment to donate blood today. 

Learn more about the County Blood Drive.